Emergency steel summit ends with vow to secure plants' future

The emergency summit on the future of British Steel’s liquidated business on Teesside has ended with an undertaking by local politicians to do all they can to safeguard the 700 jobs at the Lackenby and Skinningrove plants.

The meeting was called by the Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, and included MPs, and the leaders and chief executives of the region’s councils.

In a statement they said the priority is to support efforts to find a new owner, adding that all options - including significant public subsidy and nationalisation - must remain on the table.

Jordan Cherry, 23, of Fieldside, Pelton, was found guilty of public order offences following a trial and handed a five-year banning order, as well as 200 hours of community service and a £630 fine plus costs.

Paul Feechan, 44, and Jamie Phenny, 27, both pleaded guilty to the same offences and were given banning orders until 2022.
Feechan, of Redesdale Road, Sunderland, was ordered to pay £305 plus costs while Phenny, of Mayfield Road, South Hylton, was fined £455 plus costs.

Eight further offenders were identified as Sky Blues fans and they too have been given banning orders.

Sunderland's head of safety, Steve Neill, said the club welcomed the sentences imposed.